EFCC tenders newspapers publications against Emefiele on Naira redesign charges
EFCC Presents Evidence in Emefiele’s Naira Redesign Trial
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented newspaper articles pertaining to the allegations against former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele during a court hearing on Monday. Emefiele is facing trial over accusations of disobeying legal directives and harming national interests related to the recent Naira redesign.
The documents were submitted as evidence in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, where the EFCC has charged Emefiele with four counts of misconduct. The charge, marked CR/264/2024, asserts that between October 19, 2022, and March 5, 2023, Emefiele allegedly violated Section 19 of the CBN Act by authorizing the printing of 375.5 million color-swapped N1,000 notes. This action, the EFCC claims, occurred without the necessary recommendation from the CBN Board and the approval of the President, causing public harm.
The alleged offenses are said to contravene Section 123 of the Penal Code, Cap 89, as outlined in the Laws of the Federation of 1990, and are punishable under this legislation. Emefiele has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution’s eighth witness, Jegede Oluwasegun, an official with the National Library of Nigeria, provided testimony regarding his responsibilities. He presented copies of major newspapers, including Punch, ThisDay, Vanguard, Daily Sun, and The Nation, along with certification receipts, as part of the evidence. Emefiele’s defense attorney, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, did not object to the submissions, leading the court to admit them as exhibits.
In cross-examination, Ojo questioned Oluwasegun, who acknowledged that he did not write the articles. “What I do is to certify the newspapers. I cannot 100 percent say the content of the papers is right. I am not the author,” the witness stated.
Ojo then introduced a specific ThisDay publication from January 31, 2023, which was similarly accepted into evidence without objection from the prosecution.
Following the proceedings, Justice Maryanne Anenih adjourned the trial until May 12.
